OPERATION Christmas Child is under way and shops in Melksham are collecting gift-filled shoeboxes on behalf of international relief charity Samaritan’s Purse.
Regus, Specsavers, and Melksham Town Hall will be collecting the Christmas packages over the coming weeks – Regus, at Hampton Park West and the town hall will be shipping them out on Wednesday 18th November, and Specsavers on Bank Street will finish its collection on Saturday 14th November.
Melksham residents are encouraged to fill shoeboxes with new toys, stationery, small clothing and hygiene items which will be sent to children living in refugee camps, orphanages and impoverished neighbourhoods around the world.
Martyn Thomas, store director at Specsavers said, “We’re so proud to be supporting Operation Christmas Child again this year. Christmas is a time for giving, and by donating a box we can support those less fortunate than ourselves, helping to put a smile on children’s faces in disadvantaged parts of the world.
“Last year, our customers donated more than 500 boxes, so by acting as a hub once again we can ensure people in the community have a place to bring their gift-filled shoeboxes.”
Richard Morris, UK chief executive at Regus said, “We’re delighted to support this very worthy cause which brightens up Christmas time for disadvantaged children, including those caught up in the Syrian crisis and those living in refugee camps.”
People making donations are asked to indicate whether their shoebox is intended for a boy or a girl, as well as their age category – two to four-years-old, five to nine, or ten to 14.
Examples of things that can be included are cuddly toys, tennis balls, small musical instruments, toy cars, dolls, pens, pencils, colouring books, stickers, toothbrushes, hairbrushes, soap, sweets, gloves, and hats. No sharp, easily breakable, or war-related items to be included.
For a full list of what is suitable to include or for more details go to www.samaritans-purse.org.uk
Regus is at Hampton Park West near the police station and is open from 8.30am to 6pm on weekdays. To contact the office call 0800 039 3900. Specsavers is at 29 Bank Street and is open 9am to 6pm on weekdays, 9am to 5pm on Saturdays, and 10am to 4pm on Sundays. To contact the store call 899810.
Melksham Town Hall is in the Market Place and can be contacted on 704187.
